Interstate 80: Parsippany-Troy Hills to Stanhope – New Jersey

Interstate 80 takes us on a short but classic slice of northern New Jersey driving as we head west from Parsippany-Troy Hills to Stanhope. This stretch covers about 13 miles and packs in a little bit of everything: suburban interchanges, forested buffers, and glimpses of local towns that give this corridor its distinct vibe. We kick things off merging onto I-80 from Interstate 287, just below the Boonton Reservoir — a landmark in its own right, offering a momentary escape from the suburban sprawl.

Rolling westbound, we quickly encounter the interchange with U.S. Highway 202, an old route that still threads through many North Jersey towns. From here, I-80 officially doubles as the Christopher Columbus Highway, and we settle into a steady flow through Denville and Rockaway. This segment often treats travelers to pockets of wooded areas hugging the shoulders, reminding us that while we’re on one of the busiest interstates in the country, northern New Jersey still has its fair share of green corridors. Keep an eye out for local exits that lead to small shopping centers, neighborhood streets, and plenty of diners if you’re ready for a quick Jersey-style pit stop.

Approaching Wharton, I-80 intersects with New Jersey Route 15 — a notable junction for anyone venturing north toward Sparta or heading south into Dover. Traffic can bunch up here, especially during rush hours, so it’s worth staying alert. Past Wharton, the highway quiets down a bit as we continue another three miles or so toward our final exit near Stanhope. This last leg feels a touch more rural, with more trees lining the route and the hustle of suburban commerce fading behind us. We wrap up our westbound journey by taking exit 30, smoothly transitioning off the freeway and into the gateway to northwest New Jersey.

Whether you’re commuting daily or exploring local haunts along the way, this drive is a quick reminder of how much variety even a short stretch of Interstate 80 can offer in New Jersey. It’s a straightforward but dependable connector through Morris County’s heart, always ready to ferry us deeper into the Garden State or toward the Pennsylvania line just a bit further west.